Voting machine



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VOTING MACHINE Original Filed June 28, 1950 `14 Sheets-Sheet 14 This invention relates to voting machines Patented Sept. 15, 1936 VOTING MACHINE Samuel R. Shoup and Ransom F. Shoup, Weehawken, N. J., assignors to The Shoup Voting Machine Corp., Union City, N. J.. Llnrporation of New Jersey Application June 28, 1930, Serial No. 464,460

Renewed May 24, 1935 31 Claims. (Cl. 235-54) any oce than the allotted number.

For priand has for an object an improved machine which may be used for primary voting, party ballot voting and Australian party voting, the machine being so designed and constructed that it may be readily set up for any of these types of voting or may readily be converted from a setup for one type of voting to a set-up for another type of voting.

A voting machine embodying this invention comprises several columns of voting handles by which counters may be actuated. With party ballot voting, the names of the candidates for any oiiice are allotted to handles in horizontal rows, while with Australian ballot voting, the names of the candidates for any oilce are allotted to vertical groups of voting handles. Two separate lock-out mechanisms are provided, one of which controls horizontal rows of voting handles, while the other controls vertical groups of handles. rI'he party ballot lock-out mechanism limits the number of voting handlesthat can be operated in any horizontal row, while the Australian ballot lock-out mechanism limits the number of handles that can be operated in any vertical group. Change of control of the voting handles from one type of lock-out mechanism to the other type of lock-out mechanism may be made without any material re-arrangement of the parts of the machine. Also, part of the machine may be set up for Australian ballot voting and the remainder of the machine be set up for party ballot voting.

When the machine is to be used for primary voting, a plurality of columns of voting handles are allotted to each political party. The machine is provided with means operable from the exterior of the machine for locking the voting handles. This machine is so arranged that an attendant can release the columns allotted to any particular political party, while the columns allotted to the other political parties remain locked. The voter states which political party he is affiliated with and the attendant releases the columns/ allotted to that particular political party. The voter can then actuate the handles in these columns, but cannot actuate the handles inthe columns allotted to the other political parties.

The machine is equipped with means for per- Vmitting a voter to register a personal choice, that is, to vote for someone whose name is not inmary voting, the lpersonal choice mechanism is provided with means for indicating the political party of the voter making the personal choice.

Other objects, novel features and advantages 5 'of this invention will be apparent from the following specilcation and accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a front view of a voting machine embodying the invention. 10

Fig. 2 is a rear view thereof with the back removed; 4

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view similar to Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a section on the line 4 4 of Fig. 3. 15

Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5--5 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentarysection similar to Fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a section on the line 'l-l of Fig. 4;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig '7, with the parts 20 in diierent position;

Fig. 9 is a section on the line .Q -9 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 9a is a view similar to Fig. 9 of a modification.

Fig. 9-b is a section on the line S-b-S-b of 25 Fig. 9-a. y

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 7 of a modication.

Fig. 10-a is a plan view of the same.

Figs. 11 and ll-a are perspective views of parts 3o of the lockout mechanism;

Fig. 12 is a section, partly broken away, on the line |2--I2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 13 is a section on the line l3-I3 o! Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary section on the line I4-l4 of Fig. l12;

Fig. 15 is a section on the line |5|5 of Fig.

Fig. 16 isan elevation of a portion of the ma- '40 chine viewed from the line IS-l 6 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 17 is a section on the line I'I-I'I of Fig.

Fig. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary section on the line |8-I8 of Fig. 4; 45

Fig. 19 is a similar section with the parts in a different position.

Figs. 20, 21 and 22 are perspective views of parts of the lockout mechanism shown in Figs. 15 and 19; 50

Fig. 23 is a reduced fragmentary section on the line 23--23 of Fig. 5;

Figs. 24, 25 and 26 are enlarged perspective views of details shown in Fig. 23;

Figs. 27 and 28 are fragmentary views illus- 65 trative of different connections between vari ous parts of the machine;

Fig. 29 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 5 of a modified form of lockout mechanism;

Fig. 30 is a section on the line till-3d of Fig. 29;

Fig. 31 is a section on the line iii- 3i of Fig. 30;

Figs. 32 and 33 are perspective views of parts of the mechanism disclosed in Figs. 29-31, inelusive;

Fig. 34 is a view similar to Fig. 14 of a modication;

Fig. 35 is a section on the line 35-35 of Fig. 34;

Fig. 36 is a view similar to Fig. 14 of a further modification;

Fig. 37 is a section on the line 37-31 of Fig. 36;

Fig. 38 is a section on the line --B of Fig. 37.

Fig. 39 is a fragmentary rear view of a part of the primary voting mechanism;

Fig. 40 is a-section on the line ilfill of Fig.

Fig. 41 is a section on the line iii-iii of Fig. 40;

Fig. 42 is a view similar to Fig. 39 of a modiflcation;

Fig. 43 is a section on the line cl3- 433 of Fig. 42, and

Y Fig. 44 is a fragmentary end elevation.

The voting machine, which is the subject of this application, is an improvement on the voting machine disclosed in applicants co-pending application, Ser. No. 380,839, filed July 26, 1929. The basic principle of operation of the two machines is the same, but the present machine ern-'- bodies some changes of structure and also additional mechanism enabling the present machine to perform operations which the original machine could not perform. The present machine may be used for party ballot or Australian ballot voting and also for primary voting. Except for changes in the lockout mechanism and in the straight ticket mechanism; the present machine resembles the former machine with respect to party ballot voting. With respect to primary voting, the present machine is essentially different from the former machine.A Also, the present machine contains additional mechanism to adapt it for Australian ballot voting.

Referring now more especially to Figs. 1 to 4',-V

the voting machine comprises a box-like casing lll, (Fig. v1), which is supported by a frame Il.

A plurality of bars I2 extend vertically of the casing and in these bars are journalled the front ends of spindles i3 to which are attached handles i. These spindles are operatively connected to counters l5. Near the top of each bar l2 there is journalled a spindle i6 to the front end of which is attached a handle Il and the rear end of which extends at right angles and forms an arm i8. The spindles I3 and iii extend through a partition IQ and the rear ends of the spindles i3 are journalled in vertical straps 20, supported by a horizontal strap 2|, and interconnected by horizontal straps ZIa. To each spindle are keyed one or more actuators 22 having arms 23. 'Ihe actuators 22 are held in spaced relation by sleeves 26.

An obliquely reciprocating locking and restoring frame 25 is provided with lugs 25a to engage the arms 23 either to prevent clockwise rotation of the spindles or to return them to posiaosaios tion after they have been operated in voting. This frame is provided with oblique slots through which the spindles i3 extend and act as supports for the frame. The locking and restoring frame 25 is provided with a roller 2e which is engageable with a vertical bar 2 having oblique slots through which extend studs carried by the partition i9, and at the other end of the frame 25 there is provided a spring 2t which tends to lift the frame 25 and pull the same to the left. Up and down movement of the bar 2l causes coincident movement to the left and right. A latch 29 normally engages the frame 25 to prevent movement thereof under the influence of the spring 28. rIhe bar 2l is lifted upwardly and downwardly by a horizontally reciprocable cam bar (not shown) vwhich at one end of its stroke ltrips the latch 29.

The reciprocation of said cam bar is controlled by the voter and causes the operation of the frame 23 to release the spindles to permit a voter to actuate the same subject to the action of the lockout mechanism subsequently to be described and to restore the operated spindles and lock all the spindles against rotation until the next voter operates the machine. The mechanism just described and its operation is disclosed in detail in applicants co-pending application, Ser. No. 380,839.

The lockout .mechanism above referred to comprises draw bars detachably connected to the actuators 22 (Figs. 4, 7 to l1). The draw bars 3i) pass inpairs between locking members 3l and 3 i having their ends slidably received in grooves provided in a vertical guide 32. The locking members 3|a are tubular and are held against movement by pins 33 passing therethrough and through apertures in the guide 32. As this machine is provided with nine columns of voting handles for party ballot voting and a personal choice voting mechanism later to be described, the draw bars e@ are arranged in groups of ve pairs and there is a locking member @la for each four locking members 3i. The pins 33 are provided with heads Sil having circular grooves 35 which receive the edge of abar 358 mounted on the guide 32 for oblique movement. A limited amount of movement of the locking member 3l is permitted and the locking members are provided with rectangular heads thereby making it possible to limit accurately the distance two locking members may be moved apart. The rectangular heads may be machined to the exact size required and as the contact between adjacent locking members will always be along flat horizontal surfaces, the distance which any two locking memv bers can be moved apart will always be constant. The bar 35a, when in place, serves to prevent withdrawal of the pins. Each draw bar Si) has at one end a portion passing between a pair of locking members and provided with an enlarged head or wedge 36, each head or wedge being equal in width to the combined width of the two draw bar portions, one wedge or head extending downwardly and the other wedge or head extending upwardly from its draw bar and a portion of each head or wedge overlapping the other draw bar in sliding relation. Suilcient play is provided between the locking members of each group to per-A mit one wedge or head only to be drawn in between a pair of locking members. After one head zov row or the actuation of the corresponding personal choice voting slide, later to be described, operates a draw bar- 30 to bring the head 36 between the locking members, thus taking up the slack and preventing the operation of any of the remaining voting handles in the same horizontal row. The heads 36 of each .pair of draw bars are arranged at opposite sides of the draw bars and have overlying portions so that the draw bars may be laid side by side in a compact arrangement.

To enable a voter to cast his ballot for someone Whose name does not appear on any of the ballots, there is provided a personal choice mechanism (Figs. 1, 3, 4, 12 and 13). A column of apertures 40 is provided in the front wall of the casing I0. These apertures are closed by slides 4I. A strip of` paper 42 is provided on which the personal choice may be written after a slide 4I has been opened. This strip of paper passes from a feed roll 43 around a guide plate 44 and to a take-up roll 45, the guide 44 being located directly behind the column of apertures. Each slide 4I is formed with an offset portion 4Ia connected by an intermediate portion 4Ib. The intermediate portion 4Ib is arranged to engage the vertical portion of a yoke 46 by means of which rotation of the rollers 43 and 45 is controlled, through a link 46e. The yoke 46 is journalled on a vertical rod 46h on which are also journalled a plurality of levers 41. One end of each lever 41 extends into the path of the offset portions 41a of a slide 4l and is caused to swing thereby when the slide 4i is opened. A link 48 extends from each lever 41 to an actuator 22e, rotatably mounted on the corresponding spindle I3 of the first column and connected to a draw bar 36. Thus, when a slide 4I is opened, the corresponding draw bar 36 is actuated, thereby preventing the operation of any of the handles I4 in the corresponding horizontal row. A vertical bar 49 is supported by reciprocating horizontal bars 50 which are connected to the bar 21 for horizontal reciprocation therewith. The slides 4I are returned to normal position by the yoke 46 and when returned to normal position, permit return of the corresponding levers 41 by means of the bar 49 which is adapted to engage any lever 41 which has been actuated. The return of the yoke 46 to normal position effects rotation of the roller to advance the paper 42. The manner of actuating the yoke is disclosed in Serial No. 380,839.

'I'he arms I8 of the spindles I6 are connected by an extensible link with levers pivotally mounted near the bottom of the casing I0, (Figs. 16 and 17). Each link comprises a bar 5I connected at one end to the lever 50 and a bar 52 connected at one end to the arms I8, the bar 5I having slots through which extend headed pins 53 carried by the bar 52. A helical spring 54 surrounds the two bars and has one end connected to one of the pins 53 and its other end connected to a pin 55 carried by the plate 5I. The levers 50 are connected by links 56 with vertical bars 51 supported from the straps 20 by pairs of pivoted arms 58. Each link 56 has two holes in its lower end and the lever 5D is connected thereto by a pin passing through the upper hole, the bar 51 being thus capable of combined horizontal and vertical movement (Figs. 3, 27 and 28). Each bar 51 is provided with a column of pins 59 having threaded portions which screw into threaded recesses in the bars. The pins 59 are adapted to engage the upper edges of arms 23 of the actuafors 22. This arrangement provides means for voting a straight ticket. (Figs. 4 and 27). A voter, merely by operating one handle I1 may actuate the entire column of spindles. Actuation of a key in any column locks the corresponding keys in the other columns and thus prevents movement of the bar 51 for straight ticket voting. Should a voter have turned a handle I4 in a column and then attempt to operate the handle I1 for another column, the link will expand and permit turning of the handle I1, but the bar 51 will not move. Injury to the machine is thus avoided. It is impossible to vote a straight ticket after a handle has been turned in another column. However, after the handles I4 of a column have all been rotated by operation of the corresponding handle I1, any handle I4 may be returned to normal position and the corresponding handle of another oolumn operated. In returning a handle I4,` the corresponding bar 51 will be returned to original position. Should there not be enough candidates to necessitate the use of the entire column of spindles the pins 59 for the unused spindles may be removed. Thus, the only counters actuated are those corresponding to voting handles which have been allotted to candidates.

The portion of the machine heretofore described is adapted for party column ballot voting. Normally, the restoring frame 25 is in the position shown in Figs. 2 and l and in that position locks the handles ifi and the slides il against operation. The restoring frame 25 is moved to release the spindles by the spring 26 after the bar 21 has been moved to the left and the latch 29 tripped by the mechanism described and disclosed in detail in the application, Ser. No. 380,839. The handles Ill and the slides 4i may now be operated. However, the operation of any handle in one horizontal row, or the operation of the slide in the corresponding row, prevents operation of any other handle in that row or if a handle has been operated it prevents the operation of the corresponding slide 4I. This is due to fact that the operation of a handle I4 or a slide 4I draws a bar 3D to position the head 36 between the locking members and thus prevent movement of another draw-bar. Voting for a number of candidates from a larger group may be permitted by removal of one or more of the pins 33. After a voter has registered his selection by turning the proper handlesl or using the personal choice mechanism, the bar 21 is caused to move to the right, thus returning the restoring frame to its original position and at the same time returning the handles I4 and the slides 4I to their original position. The machine is then V'ready for the next voter.

Means are provided for adapting the machine for use in primary election voting. Sliding bars 6I) extend across the bank of spindles and are provided with operating knobs 6I which project beyond the side wall of the casing I0 (Figs. 2, 5 and 6) Each bar 6D is provided with a plurality of links 62. there being a link 62 for each vertical bar 51. The bars 51 are normally so arranged that the pins 59 do not prevent operation of the actuators 22. but when the'machine is set for primary voting` these barsare lifted so that the pins underlie the arms 23 of the actuators and prevent rotation thereof. 'Ihe bars 51 are held in elevated position by the links 62 which are arranged nearly vertical With their upper ends connected to the bars by means of the pins 59 which pass through holes in the end of the links (Fig. 6). Also the pin connecting the link 51 to the arm I0 is arranged in the lower hole (Fig. 28)

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be turned downwardly, indicating that the spindles of that column have been released.

When the machine is to be used for primary election, a certain number of columns are alloted to each party and the vertical bars 51 corresponding to such columns are connected by'links S2 to the same bar 60. When a voter enters the machine, the attendant pulls out the knob 6I corresponding to the bar 60 controlling the column or columns allotted to the political party to which the voter has declared himself to belong. The vertical bars for these columns are moved downwardly, thus removing the pins 59 out of the path of the arms 23. The turning down of the handles I1 indicates to the voter the columns allotted to his party and in which he may turn the handles I4. The voter may actuate the handles in the party columns, and also the personal choice machines the same as in party ballot voting.

Means are provided for preventing the attendant from pushing in the knob 6l after a voter has entered the machine and has conditioned the same for voting. This means comprises a ratchet 63 on each bar 68 and spring actuated pawls 6d adapted to engage said ratchets to prevent inward movement of the bars. (Figs. 5 and 6). These ratchets are held in inoperative position by pins 65 carried by a vertically reciprocating bar 6B which is provided with an arm 81 engaging one end of a pivoted lever 68, the'other end of which is connected by a link 69, with the frame 25..

' locking members are capable of limited sliding movement. 'I'he locking members have fiat end faces and angular contact shoulders 18B. A pair of brackets 13 extend from the side wall of the casing I8 and a bar 1d connects the ends thereof. A plate 15 extends between the bars and is supported thereby. This plate carries the channel member 1| and has a portion l5a bent over to engage the locking members 18 to hold them ln the channel member. The pawls Ell and springs B4B are mounted on the bar 1d while the bar 86 is supported from the bar M by links 16. The draw bars 12 extend between the contact shoul ders 18e and each draw bar has a short section 12a of narrower width than the remainder. When these narrow short sections are in vertical alignment, there is permitted limited play of the locking members (Figs. 5 and 23 to 26). This limited play is sucient to permit the movement of one draw bar to position its wider portion between the shoulders of the adjacent locking members but is insuicient to permit more than one of the draw bars to be thus moved. Therefore, after one knob has been pulled out another cannot be pulled out unless the rst one is returned.

The personal choice voting mechanism is operable in primary voting in the same manner as with the party ballot with the addition that means are .provided for identifying the personal choice selection with a certain political party. Two or more arms 8Dlare pivotally supported from the casing I0 adjacent the guide M and are provided with springs 8l which tend to force the free ends of Jthe arms towards the paper d2 (Figs. 12 to 15). At the end of each arm there is provided a crayon 82 and preferably these crayons are of diierent colors. A rod 83 extends from each knob 60 and engages each arm 80 normally to hold the crayon out of engagement with the paper. However, when a knob 60 is pulled out, the corresponding arm 88 is released and its crayon engages the paper. Thus, when a voter registers a personal choice the color of the mark on the paper will indicate the party with which he is aihliated. Also, since the arms are arranged at diierent heights the height of the mark on the paper may be used to indicate the party and crayons of the same color may be used. Instead of crayons, printing rollers 88 may be mounted on the end of the arms and the inking rollers provided so that the name of the party may be printed on the paper (Figs. 36 to 38) Likewise, a perforating roller 85 may be mounted on the end of the arms and apertures 81 may be provided in the guide itl so that the paper will he perforated and the height of the perforations will indicate the party with which the voter is ailiated. (Figs. 34 and 35).

This machine may also be used in connection with the Australian type ballot and a separate lockout mechanism is provided for adapting the machine for voting with the Australian ballot. The lockout mechanism for the party column ballot is rendered inoperative by removing all the pins 33 or by disconnecting the draw bars 38 from the actuators 22 and also disconnecting the links d8 from the levers 81. (Figs. 4 and '7.)

When the machine is used with the Australian type ballot, the names of the candidates for any oilice or board are vertically arranged, each candidates name being in alinement with a voting handle t8. The interlocking mechanism is of such character that it may easily be adjusted to meet any requirements and to permit several different groups of candidates to be arranged in a single column. y

At the right of each column of spindles, (Figs. 4, 5 18-22). a plate 90 is supported by the cross bars Zie. These plates are spaced rearwardly slightly from the cross bars by spaces 2|b and each plate carries a vertical channel member 9i in which are provided locking members 82.

Each plate 98 is provided with a return bend por tion by which is supported a bar 93. A second bar 9d overhes the locking members 92 and is supported from the bar 93 for lateral adjustment by i brackets 9de. The locking members 82 are provided with contact shoulders 92a and with holes $32b through which may be inserted bolts 92C to hold them in xed position in the channel member. Each spindle i3 is provided with an arm 95 to which is attached a draw bar 96 extending across the channel member and having an enlarged head. A plurality of horizontal bars 91 rest on theV spindles and are attached at one end to the levers 41. Each bar 91 is provided with rvlo , have rectangular heads thereby insuring accu `mechanism for thev Australian ballot.

a series of threaded holes spaced apart a distance equal toI the distance between the columns and providing means whereby plungers 98 may be connected to the bars where desired by bolts 98a. Each plunger 98 has a short section of narrow width from which an oblique shoulder leads to the wider portion or head of the plunger. Between the plunger 98 and superposed draw bar 96 there is provided a locking member 99 having a cylindrical stud with which the edges of the plunger and draw bar contact. The locking member 92 arranged above the draw bar connected to the spindle corresponding to the first candidate in a group and the locking member underlying the draw bar connected to the spindle corresponding to the last candidate in a group are held in fixed position by screws 929. The

intermediate locking members'are of proper sizel to permit the insertion of one or more heads of draw bars or plungers between the contact portions. The size of the locking members and the position of the holes therein vary according to the conditions which are to be complied with and by the use of proper locking members all conditions of voting may be met. Where one candidate is to be selected from a group, the arrangement is such that only one draw bar or plunger can be actuated and where more than one candi- -date may be voted for, the arrangement is such that a corresponding number of draw bars or plungers may be operated. The locking members rate and-uniform spacing. The locking members may be easily replaced or rearranged by releasing the bolts that hold the brackets 948i and moving the bar 94 to the left, thus exposing the channel member 9|. Holes 93a are provided in the bar 93 through which pins may be inserted to lock the draw bars, if desired.

Referring now to Figs. 29 to 33, inclusive, there is disclosed therein a modied form of lockout A plate |02 is carried by the cross bars 2| in the same manner as the plate 9| previously referred to. This plate has an upturned edge |02a and supports a vertical channeled member |03. The channel member |03 supports a plate |04 having an upturned edge |0411. The edges |02a and |04a form vertical grooves with the edges of the channel member |03. A plurality of locking members |05 are mounted in the grooves above referred to, the alternate locking members being provided with apertures through which may be inserted screws |05 to hold the same against vertical movement, apertures being provided in the plates |02 and |04 to receive such screws. The locking members |05 are provided with rectangular heads which are connectedvby contact portions of less width than the heads. The spindles |3 are provided with arms |06 to which are attached draw bars |01 extending through the space provided between the contact portions of adjacent locking members. The draw bars |01' areprovided with enlarged heads |08. A plurality of horizontal bars |09 rest upon the spindles and are attachable at one end to the levers 41 (not shown). Each bar |08 is provided with a series of studs I|0 spaced apart a distance equal to the distance between the columns. These studs are adapted to extend through slots formed in the ends of plungers I Il, which plungers have portions of reduced thickness extending between the contact portions of adjacent locking members.

The plungers may be easily and quickly placed wherever they are desired and may also easily and quickly be removed. The locking member |05 arranged above the draw bar connected to the spindle corresponding to the rst candidate in a group and the locking member underlying the draw bar connected to the spindle corresponding to the last. candidate in said group are held in xedposition by the screws |06. The intermediate locking members are of proper size to permit the insertion of one or more heads of draw bars or plungers between the contact portions of the locking members. Where one candidate is to be selected from a group the arrangement is such that only one draw bar or plunger can be actuated. Where more than one candidate may be voted for, the arrangement is such that a Vcorresponding number of draw bars or plungers may be operated. The locking members may easily be replaced or rearranged by removing the plate |04. However,

the number of draw bars or plungers which may be actuated in any one group may be varied by the use of a wedge I2. In the arrangement disclosed in Figs. 30 and 31, two draw bars or plungers may be actuated. However, if the wedge ||2 were withdrawn then three draw bars or plungers might be actuated. Likewise, if a wedge double the size of the wedge shown were to be inserted, then the number o'f draw bars orplungers which could be actuated would be correspondingly reduced. The provision of the wedges makes it possible to change the operation of the lockout mechanism without changing the lockout members or changing .the arrangement in any way. The wedge ||2 will not work its way out due to .the fact that it has an enlarged head and for it to work out it would necessitate the lifting of all the,

locking members above it. The provision of. two heads for the locking members, each head being arranged in a groove, prevents tilting of the locking membersand insures accurate and uniform operation.

The last column of spindles is provided for voting on propositions. These spindles have their own lockout mechanism which is in general similar to the Australian ballot type lockout mechanism previously described. There is no connection between the last column of spindles with any other part of the machine, except the locking and restoring frame 25. A pair of spindles is allotted to each proposition and operation of one spindle registers a favorable vote, while operation of the other registers an unfavorable vote.

The number of draw bars 30 actuatable in any group may be varied by means of the adjuster shown in Figs. 10 and 10a. 'Ihis adjuster consists of a plate ||5 shaped to overlie the head 36 of a draw bar 30 and is held in place by a set screw I6. This plate is of proper thickness to reduce by one the number of draw bars that can be pulled in between the locking members 3|. By attaching such adjuster to the draw bars, the number of draw bars actuatable in any group may lbe varied without any change in the locking members 3| or pins 33.

The number of columns of spindles may be increased over that shown in Fig. 2 by means of pair of interconnected bell crank levers l I6.

heads of the locking members l.` A draw bar 3BE has a portion of the same width as the groove Sic and a portion of greater width forming the shoulders 3th. rIhe narrow portion of the drawbar 30a is normally received in the groove 3l, but when it is pulled to the left, the shoulders Sill engage the locking member 38h and lift it to lock out the other draw bars in the manner previously described.

When the machine is used for the election of delegates to the presidential nominating conventions, the machine isl used in the manner described in connection with primary voting. 'I'he diierent political parties may elect diiierent numbers of delegates to their conventions. To take care of this situation, means are provided for changing the number of draw bars of a group that may be operated. y

In the modification disclosed in Figs. 39 to 41, one of the pull rods 6l above described is connected by a link Sla with a draw bar 30 through the medium of a pin and slot connection. Thus, when the pull rod is operated as described above in connection with primary voting, the draw bar is moved to the left, thereby reducing by one the number of draw bars that may be operated by actuation of the voting keys by the voter. Thus, the same lock-out mechanism may be used in connection with voting for diierent numbers of delegates. One of the actuators 22 is connected to the draw bar 30 to which the link iila is connected. This actuator is rotatably mounted on its spindle instead of being keyed thereto as are the other actuators. However, when the machine is used for party balloti-ng the actuator is fastened to an arm 22b keyed to the spindle (Fig. 41). The actuator then operates in the same manner as the other actuators, this being permitted by the pin and slot connection between the link Sla and the draw bar 3B.

It may be that one party elects both men and women as delegates, there being a xed ratio between the men and women, while the other party elects only men. Under these circumstances, it -is necessary when a voter of the first party has to register his ballot that he be unable to vote for more than Ithe allotted number of women or men delegates. 'Ihe -arrangement disclosed in Figs. 42 to 43 takes care of this situation.

In Figs. 42 and 43 one of the pull rods Sl is connected by a link Sib with the arm H5 of a The free ends of the bell crank levers carry pins lil which are substantially in alinement with a tubular locking member 3N. When the pull rod Si is actuated the pins are projected into the locking member and fixed against movement. This divides the larger group of locking members into 1smaller groups, one of which is allotted to women candidates and the other to men candidates. The number of men candidates as well as the number of women candidates that can be voted for are limited by this arrangement.

It is of course understood that various modications may be made in the apparatus above described, without in any way departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

l. In a voting machine, a plurality of columns of voting spindles, an arm carried by each spindle, vertical bars having projections engageable with said arms, means for supporting said bars for vertical reciprocation, horizontal drawbars, links connecting selected vertical bars to each drawbar, a ratchet and pawl mechanism for locking each bar ln operated position, a keeper for normally rendering said ratchet and pawl mechanisms inoperative, and means for releasing and restoring said keeper.

2. In a voting machine, a plurality of columns of voting spindles, an arm carried by each spindle, vertical bars having projections engageable with said arms, means supporting said bars for vertical reciprocat'om;horizontal drawbars, links connecting selected vertical bars to each drawbar, a rotatable handle at the top of `each column, a pivoted lever for each column, connections between corresponding levers and handles, and connections between corresponding levers and vertical bars.

3. In a voting machine, means for supporting and feeding a strip of paper, a plurality of means engageable with said paper for producing indicia thereon, a like number of drawbars and means controlled by said drawbars ior selectively actuating saidindicia producing means.

4. In a voting machine, a plurality of columns of voting spindles, an arm carried by each spindle, vertical bars having projections engageable with said arms, means for supporting said bars for, vertical reciprocation, horizontal drawbars, link c 'onnecting selected vertical bars to each drawbar, means for supporting and feeding a strip of paper, means individual to each drawbar engageable with said strip of paper to produce indicia thereon, and means controlled by each bar for rendering inoperative the corresponding indicia producing means.

5. In a voting machine, a plurality of rows of voting spindles, an arm carried by cachv spindle, bars parallel to said rows and having projections engageable with said arms, means for supporting said bars for swinging movement, drawbars, links connecting selected vertical bars to said drawbars, means for supporting and feeding a strip of paper, means individual to each drawbar engageable with said strip of paper to produce indicia thereon, and means operable by each bar for rendering inoperative the corresponding indicia producing means.

6. In a voting machine, a plurality of columns of voting spindles, an arm carried by each spindle, vertical bars having projections engageable with said arms, means for supporting said'bars for vertical reciprocation, horizontal drawbars, links connecting selected vertical bars to said drawbars, a strip of paper, means for supporting and feeding said paper, a pivoted arm for each drawbar, indicia producing means carried by each arm, means tending to swing said arms to engage said indicia producing means with said paper,

and means carried by each drawbar for maintaining inoperative the corresponding indicia producing means.

7. In a voting machine, means for supporting and feeding a strip of paper, a plurality of drawbars, a like number of pivoted levers, indicia producing means carried by said levers, resilient means for swinging said levers to bring the indicia producing means into contact with said strip of paper, and an arm carried by'each drawbar and engaging the corresponding lever for holding the latter in inoperative position when the drawbar is in normal position.

8. In a voting machine, means for supporting and feeding a strip of paper, a plurality of pivoted levers, indicia producing means carried by said levers, resilient means for swinging said levers to bring the indicia producing means into 

